1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1956 Ford Consul
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Consul would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1956 Ford Consul. (47 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 231 kg more than 1956 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Ford Consul is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1956 Ford Consul. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Consul. (124 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1956 Ford Consul | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | 156 | Consul |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1703 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 128 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1089 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 47 L |
